FOR a lesson in grit, determination and commitment you need look no further than our very own Kathryn Ross.
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A humble and unassuming person she might not care to admit it, but Ross is one of Warrnambool’s finest sporting exports having last week become a two-time world rowing champion.
Ross’ record is impressive.
Not content with a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and a fifth at London’s Paralympics in 2012, Ross and partner Gavin Bellis surged to victory in the 1000-metre trunk-and-arms mixed double scull in Amsterdam on Friday.
That win came on the back of the pair’s triumph in the same event at the 2013 world titles in South Korea.
Ross is now looking forward to the Paralympics in Rio in 2016.
The former Woolsthorpe Primary and Brauer College girl is an outstanding young woman and a terrific example for everyone, young or old, who has suffered a setback in their lives.
Ross, the victim of an accident in the home, could have let the incident dictate her life, but she did the opposite.
She took control, found immense reserves of inner strength and took on the world. Her fortitude, never-say-die attitude and famed fighting spirit are now the things that make Ross tick.
Now look at her — a two-time world rowing champion. The hard work has paid off.
Together with another home-grown hero in golfer Marc Leishman, Ross has given Warrnambool sports fans a lot to smile about.
We might on occasion take these two for granted, but their achievements cannot be under-estimated. Both elite athletes in their own right they are giving it their all on the world stage.
Ross was reportedly considering moving on from rowing recently, but felt that there was some unfinished business.
Her triumph in the Netherlands will have reignited the fire for rowing and her fans and supporters will be hoping that she pops up in Rio with winning on her mind once more.
Well done Kathryn Ross, the south-west is proud of you.